Blog

Unlike the lush island landscapes of Binh Thuan, surrounded by giant rock formations, endless rows of green coconut palms, or the majestic slopes of verdant mountains, the sand dunes of Mui Ne boast a unique beauty—a vast horizon filled with golden sunlight and shimmering burnt-orange sands. Wondering what to do here? Or looking for practical tips before your visit? Then follow Vietnam Original Travel as we explore every detail in this article!

A Glimpse Into Mui Ne, Binh Thuan—Vietnam’s Coastal Paradise With A Desert Twist

Nestled along Vietnam’s south-central coast, Mui Ne in Binh Thuan is a renowned beach destination blessed with year-round sunshine, turquoise waters, and swaying coconut palms. But beyond its idyllic shoreline lies something truly unexpected—vast, desert-like dunes that create one of the most unique landscapes in Southeast Asia. This rare combination of sea and desert makes Mui Ne a must-visit for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

What Makes Mui Ne’s Sand Dunes Worth Visiting

A Rare and Unique Landscape

Mui Ne’s sand dunes are unlike any other natural setting in Vietnam. Stretching endlessly under the golden sunlight, the dunes create a striking contrast with the turquoise sea just a short distance away. Their shapes and patterns constantly change with the wind, offering a new view every time you visit. This rare combination of desert and ocean makes Mui Ne a truly unforgettable destination.

A Variety of Exciting Experiences

Mui Ne’s sand dunes are not just for sightseeing—they’re a playground for adventure and fun, offering activities for both thrill-seekers and those who simply want to relax in a unique setting.

Sandboarding: Glide down the sandy slopes on a rented board for a lighthearted and exciting adventure. Whether you go solo or race with friends, sandboarding is a must-try activity that promises laughter and unforgettable memories.

Off-Road Driving & Jeep Tours: For those craving adrenaline, hop on an ATV or join a jeep tour to conquer the towering dunes. Feel the rush as you speed up steep slopes, descend sharp drops, and explore the vast, ever-changing desert terrain.

Wide-Open Freedom: Step away from crowded beach destinations and embrace the open space of the dunes. Here, you can slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and take in panoramic views of the golden sands stretching to the horizon.

Photography Opportunities: With its unique landscape and dramatic light during sunrise and sunset, the dunes are a dream location for photographers. Every angle offers a chance to capture breathtaking shots to remember your trip by.

Easy to Combine with Nearby Attractions

The sand dunes are conveniently located close to many of Mui Ne’s other highlights. You can pair your visit with a stroll through the charming Mui Ne Fishing Village, a walk along the Fairy Stream, or a seafood feast at a local restaurant. With so many attractions nearby, a trip to the dunes easily becomes part of a perfect day exploring Mui Ne.

Top 4 Sand Dunes In Mui Ne

Red Sand Dunes—The “Flying” Sand Dunes

Address: Quarter 5, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City (about 22 km from the city center).

Main activities: Sandboarding, photography, watching the sunset.

When it comes to must-visit attractions in Mui Ne, the Red Sand Dunes—also known as the “Flying” Sand Dunes—are impossible to overlook. Formed from an ancient iron mine over a hundred years ago, these dunes feature up to 18 unique shades of sand, stretching from Binh Thuan Province all the way to Ninh Thuan. The distinctive red color comes from their position directly above an ancient iron ore deposit, with the largest concentration found in Mui Ne.

The name “Flying Sand Dunes” comes from their ever-changing shapes and patterns. Unlike other sand dunes that remain fixed, these constantly shift by the hour and the day, depending on the wind direction. This transformation occurs because the fine surface layer of sand is frequently blown away and reshaped by the wind, creating countless new formations over the years.

The dunes are smaller than the White Sand Dunes but are more easily accessible, making them a popular choice for visitors looking to enjoy sandboarding or simply relax while watching a spectacular sunset. With local vendors offering drinks and snacks nearby, it’s a great place to slow down, take in the view, and capture memorable moments.

Pink Sand Dunes

Address: Quarter 5, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City (about 23 km from the city center).

Main activities: Sandboarding, photography, watching the sunrise and sunset.

Located near the road to Hon Rom, the Pink Sand Dunes captivate visitors with the gradual shift in sand color from red to pink, creating a uniquely beautiful landscape. Here, you can freely check in at picturesque spots, enjoy sandboarding, and admire the vast, open natural scenery that is nothing short of mesmerizing. This fascinating destination promises a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your photos and unforgettable travel experiences.

Yellow Sand Dunes

Address: Quarter 5, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City (about 23 km from the city center).

Main activities: Sandboarding, photography, watching the sunrise and sunset.

Similar to the Red and Pink Sand Dunes, this destination is also located on the way to Hon Rom. The Yellow Sand Dunes are among the most famous thanks to their familiar golden hue and vast area. Visitors can enjoy various activities here, such as sandboarding, taking photos, and sightseeing. While the games and experiences at the sand dunes in Mui Ne are quite similar, MIA.vn believes that the changing sand colors and surrounding natural scenery are enough to give you fresh and unique experiences.

White Sand Dunes, Mui Ne

Address: Hong Lam Hamlet, Hoa Thang Commune, Bac Binh District, Binh Thuan Province (about 65 km from Phan Thiet City).

Main activities: Sandboarding, riding an ATV, and exploring by jeep.

ATV rental price: 175,000–600,000 VND (10 minutes–1 hour)

Jeep tour price: 400,000–500,000 VND per tour

The White Sand Dunes in Mui Ne are famous for two thrilling activities that challenge even the most adventurous travelers: riding an ATV and exploring by jeep. Don’t hesitate if you’ve never tried driving an ATV before—just rent a four-wheeled motorbike and you can cruise across the vast, wind-swept dunes with your friends or family, soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

If you’ve ever explored Mui Ne by jeep, you’ll know the unique and exciting feeling this experience brings. At these dunes, jeep rentals are available at reasonable rates, making them a great choice if your legs are tired from walking across the endless sands. Opting for a jeep ride will make the rest of your journey more comfortable, enjoyable, and full of fun.

Nearby attractions & Suggested Itinerary 

Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien)

People often say that Fairy Stream in Mui Ne is one-of-a-kind in Vietnam, as its water takes on a vibrant orange-red hue year-round, colored by the surrounding sand. Not only is the stream itself unique, but the scenery along its banks is equally remarkable—lush green forest on one side and towering sand dunes on the other. Over time, the clay mixed with sand has been eroded by rain and wind, forming fascinating sand formations that resemble giant castles. The entire landscape of Fairy Stream appears like a vivid painting, where warm and cool tones blend in perfect harmony.

Mui Ne Fishing Village

This fishing village stretches for about 1 km along the coastline, nestled quietly by the sea. Thanks to its calm waters and gentle waves all year round, it has long been chosen by locals as a safe harbor for fishing boats and a bustling spot for trading seafood. For generations, this small village has stood humbly among rows of tall coconut palms. The life of the fishermen flows with the rhythm of the sea—setting out on fishing trips and returning home, through both tranquil days and fierce storms. Its untouched beauty, rustic charm, and authentic coastal way of life hold a special allure for visitors.

Here, beyond soaking in the peaceful scenery full of vibrant local life, you can explore the village’s fish market and savor freshly caught seafood right by the shore. Without a doubt, this experience will add an unforgettable highlight to your trip to Mui Ne.

Suggested Itinerary

The sand dunes in Mui Ne are conveniently located, making it easy to combine your visit with nearby attractions in just half a day or a full day. You can consider the suggested itineraries below:

Itinerary 1 – Sunset Tour

This is the most popular choice to fully admire the beauty of the dunes at dusk and explore nearby spots.

Start time: Around 1:30 PM

Fairy Stream: Take a leisurely walk along the cool, shallow stream, admire the unique red-orange rock formations, and capture memorable photos.

Mui Ne Fishing Village: Visit the village in the afternoon to observe fishermen preparing for their night trips at sea and see hundreds of round basket boats anchored along the shore.

Mui Ne Sand Dunes: The main and longest stop of the tour, offering various activities such as sandboarding, walking, taking photos, and watching the sunset.

Free time: Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants in Mui Ne or relax at beachfront bars such as Chameleon Beach Bar.

Itinerary 2 – Early Sunrise Tour

This tour focuses on exploring Bau Trang (White Sand Dunes) and stopping by the Mui Ne Sand Dunes on the way back.

Start time: Around 4:30 AM

White Sand Dunes (Bau Trang): Watch the sunrise and participate in exciting activities such as renting an ATV or jeep to conquer the dunes, or even try a camel ride.

Mui Ne Sand Dunes: Take photos and enjoy sandboarding.

Mui Ne Fishing Village: Witness the lively scene as hundreds of fishing boats return after a night at sea, with the bustling seafood market in full swing.

Fairy Stream: Explore the unique landscape and capture stunning shots.

When To Visit Sand Dunes In Mui Ne

The sand dunes in Mui Ne are not significantly affected by the Northeast monsoon, giving the area a relatively hot and dry climate. On the bright side, the region rarely experiences storms, making it an ideal destination for tourism. This means you can visit this must-see spot in Phan Thiet at any time of the year. However, keep these tips in mind to make your trip even better:

April–May is the hottest period of the year at the Mui Ne Sand Dunes. If you travel during this time, be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, or caps to protect your skin and stay healthy.

April–August is considered the best time to visit the Mui Ne Sand Dunes, as the skies are clear and sunny—perfect for outdoor activities.

September–December often brings frequent rainfall to Mui Ne, which can somewhat affect photography and outdoor fun at the dunes.

How To Get To Mui Ne

To reach Sand Dunes in Mui Ne, you can take a bus or train to Phan Thiet, then continue by motorbike or taxi to Mui Ne.

Getting to Phan Thiet

By bus: Several reputable companies such as Phuong Trang, Sinh Cafe, and Kumho Samco operate the Saigon–Phan Thiet route. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the bus station.

By train: The Saigon–Phan Thiet route is a scenic option. Tickets can be booked through the Vietnam Railways website or authorized ticket agents.

By motorbike: If you are near Phan Thiet, you can ride along National Highway 1A.

From Phan Thiet to Mui Ne

By bus: Bus No. 6 (Phan Thiet – Mui Ne) runs frequently and is budget-friendly.

By taxi: Many taxi companies in Phan Thiet can take you directly to Mui Ne.

By motorbike taxi: A good choice if traveling alone or in a small group.

By motorbike rental: A popular way to explore Mui Ne and nearby attractions, including the sand dunes.

From Mui Ne center to the Sand Dunes

By motorbike taxi: A quick and convenient option.

By taxi: Similar to a motorbike taxi, but at a higher cost.

By bus: Public buses may not go directly to the dunes, so you might need to walk part of the way.

By motorbike rental: Offers the freedom to explore and stop anywhere you like.

Where to Stay Near Mui Ne’s Sand Dunes

When visiting the Mui Ne Sand Dunes, you can choose from a wide range of accommodations—from luxury hotels and resorts to budget-friendly homestays and guesthouses—depending on your preferences and budget. Most accommodations near the dunes are concentrated in central Mui Ne or nearby areas such as Bau Trang.

Staying Near the Sand Dunes

Central Mui Ne: This area offers many hotels, resorts, and guesthouses at various price points, suitable for different types of travelers. From here, you can easily reach the sand dunes and other attractions.

Bau Trang Area: For a quieter and more private stay, you can opt for homestays or resorts in the Bau Trang area. However, traveling to other attractions from here may take more time.

Specific Accommodation Options

Luxury Resorts: If you want to enjoy a luxurious and well-equipped stay, consider resorts such as Pandanus Resort, Muine Bay Resort, Sea Links Beach Hotel, or Anantara Mui Ne Resort.

Hotels: Many hotels are available across different price ranges, from budget to high-end, such as Mui Ne Hills Budget Hotel, Cham Villas Resort, or Romana Resort & Spa.

Homestays: For a local experience and a closer connection with residents, choose homestays in the Mui Ne or Bau Trang area.

Guesthouses: A budget-friendly choice, perfect for young travelers or those on a backpacking trip.

Tips:

Book in advance, especially during the peak season (April to August), to secure your preferred accommodation.

Check the amenities and services of the hotel or resort before booking.

Read reviews from previous guests to get an objective view of the property.

Tips For Visiting Sand Dunes In Mui Ne

The best times of day to explore the Mui Ne Sand Dunes are early in the morning (from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM) or late in the afternoon after 5:00 PM. Avoid visiting at midday, as the sand can get extremely hot and may cause burns.

Plan your visit during the summer and avoid the rainy season, as outdoor activities can be limited during wet weather.

Summer at the Mui Ne Sand Dunes is very hot, with little rain and intense sunlight, so make sure to protect yourself from the sun.

Before joining any activity here, be sure to confirm the cost in advance.

If you plan to try sandboarding, wear comfortable, fitted clothing, and opt for pants instead of skirts for ease of movement.

Keep your personal belongings safe—give them to friends or family for safekeeping while sandboarding to avoid losing them along the way.

Top 4 Sand Dunes In Mui Ne: Let Mui Ne’s Sand Dunes Amaze You

Your journey to Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan, will be even more exciting if you include the Mui Ne Sand Dunes as one of your stops. With their mesmerizing colors, ever-changing shapes, and thrilling activities, this is truly an unmissable highlight. So, what are you waiting for? Add Mui Ne to your must-visit list when traveling to Vietnam—it’s waiting for you!

>>> Rang Beach in Mui Ne—A Wild Symphony of Forests and Sea
>>> The Best Travel Guide Of Binh Thuan